ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Former Lobo men's soccer forward James Rogers has signed a contract with Sporting KC of Major League Soccer the team announced Wednesday. Rogers was selected by the club with the 53rd overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft last month.

“We’re very happy for James,” Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said in a statement. “Because of his persistence and work ethic, he has earned himself a roster spot for Sporting KC.”

During his four-year career at UNM, Rogers scored 22 goals, the fourth most in program history, and collected 20 assists. He helped guide the Lobos to three straight conference titles (MPSF in 2011 and 2012, C-USA in 2013) and three straight appearances in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. In 2013 he was a catalyst on the squad that advanced all the way to the College Cup. He was also named a semifinalist for the Wooden Citizenship Cup last month.

Rogers has appeared in all four matches for Sporting Kansas City during the team’s preseason campaign, most recently scoring the game-winning goal in a 3-2 victory over the Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday. Sporting KC has two more preseason matches before beginning the regular season at home against the New York Red Bulls on March 8.

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